Comics rally for Melbourne murder victim

Camera IconA man handed himself in to police after comedian Eurydice Dixon's body was found in Melbourne.

Aspiring comedian Eurydice Dixon was on her way home after spending the night making people laugh when her life was cut short on an inner-Melbourne soccer field.

The 22-year-old's body was found by a passer-by in Princes Park at North Carlton about 3am Wednesday, hours after she had performed at the Highlander Bar in the CBD.

Jaymes Todd, 19 of Broadmeadows, appeared in court on Thursday afternoon charged with her rape and murder after handing himself into police.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of Eurydice Dixon. She was a remarkable, talented, kind, unique and universally loved person and the entire staff are shattered and heartbroken," Highlander Bar said in a statement.

"Our heart goes out to her family, the comedy community and everyone else who knew and loved her."

The Comedy Women's Association described Ms Dixon as "a unique and talented voice and will be very much missed".

Comedian Julia Morris took to Twitter to express her shock.

"I am absolutely shattered to hear of the despicable death of Eurydice Dixon," she wrote.

"Our comedy community is like a family and this news is beyond heart breaking.

"An important and funny voice has been extinguished. Vale Eurydice Dixon."

The GOFUNDME page, set up by Luka Muller, has raised more than $12,000 in 15 hours, surpassing its $1500 goal.

Comedians including Cal Wilson, Anne Edmonds and Celia Pacquola are among those to have made pledges.

Others who knew Ms Dixon took to social media to express their shock.

Neal Portenza said he was "absolutely devastated".

"I don't really have any proper thoughts or words. We barely knew each other but your Facebook posts genuinely made me laugh out loud and I'm glad I got the chance to tell you in person during the Comedy Festival," he wrote on Facebook.

"I'm left feeling completely numb."

Claudia Long tweeted: "Eurydice was a kind and funny person, this is a tragedy and my heart is broken."

Meanwhile, Nelly Thomas called for an end to "terrorism on women".

"RIP dear girl & may the rest of us mourn this terrible loss & then STEP THE F*** UP to stop this terrorism on women. What else can one say," she said on Twitter.

Police say they do not believe Ms Dixon's death is connected to a sexual assault on a woman near the same area in March, which was also revealed on Wednesday.

Todd has been remanded in custody to reappear in the court on October 3.